International Women’s Day 2025 — Inspiring the Next Generation of Female Changemakers

For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment. The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) was a call to action to all at GDST. Shapers of girls’ education for 153 years, we continue to strive towards a more equitable world. Here’s a round-up of our activities for IWD 2025.

The GDST partnered with Women of the World

For the second time, the GDST partnered with global organisation Women of the World (WOW) to mark International Women’s Day. Their ‘WOW at 15’ event took place at the Royal Albert Hall, the venue where the GDST was founded in 1872. Headlining the event was civil rights activist, academic and author, Angela Davis and in advance of the event and International Women’s Day (both taking place on 8th March) our students were given the opportunity to use their voices and put questions to Angela Davis. 

Watch our Reel below:

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) (@gdstgirls)

View additional Reels and more IWD content on the GDST Instagram channel.

Blackheath High featured live on BBC Radio to talk on the art of disagreeing well

Blackheath High School were delighted to welcome BBC Radio London for a live broadcast from a Year 7 Civil Discourse enrichment class with Deputy Head Academic, Kristina Lewis and her students.

“This is not just a discreet lesson. You take these skills with you so you can navigate these discussions, and hold your ground, use your voice, and be the leaders and changemakers of the future — Kristina Lewis

You can hear the broadcast on BBC Sounds below (navigate to 1:24:34 for an interview with Kristina Lewis; and to 2:24:15 for the live lesson, including interviews with some of Year 7.

Inspiring Future Changemakers in School Assemblies

Many GDST schools used their assemblies to discuss the girls and women who have come before them, and how they can feel empowered to effect change in their turn.

‘Feminism is not just about recognising how far we’ve come—it’s about pushing forward. It’s about making sure that every girl, everywhere, has the same opportunities we do. It’s about us—the next generation—picking up the baton and continuing the work of those who came before us. — Helen Dolding, PSHE Lead, Norwich High School GDST

 Heads and Junior Heads talked passionately about this year’s IWD theme in their assemblies, sparking discussions in and out of the classroom. Some of our favourite quotes below.

The Girls’ Day School Trust

Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) is a family of twenty-four independent schools and two academies across the UK, dedicated to academic and pastoral excellence. As pioneers and shapers of girls’ education for 153 years, the GDST are global experts in tailoring learning experiences to nurture confident, happy and fearless young women. Our forward-thinking approach to education equips girls with the skills and attributes to become the leaders and changemakers of the future.